Merry Christmas

I am getting ready to head for bed pretty soon on this blessed Christmas Day! It is absolutely freezing here in Kansas and different parts of the country have had a major winter storm--namely Oklahoma. Even Texas has had snow - some parts for the first time since 1926!!! Wow!
We have been so very blessed this past year and this Christmas Season. Our girls are alive & healthy; we have a warm home; food to eat; clothes to wear; a mind to understand and a body to live--we are so very blessed. Most of all, we have a Saviour who gave himself up for us; for me. I am so very blessed.

Ellen (8), Erin (7), Emily (5) had a great Christmas. Ellen & Erin each got Nintendo DS's and Emily got an MP3 player. They were so pumped!!! It was so fun getting that for them and watching their excitement - it was awesome and I hope every parent can experience this joy. However, it wasn't long before Emily was a little forlorn that she did not get an Nintendo DS and it about did Ryan in. So, while we were getting ready for church this morning (Shari spoke and did a great job) Ryan asked what i thought about getting her one--can you say his little finger is taken?!?!?
Mom & Dad & Marlo Gehring came over for lunch and then we napped and then we went to see Nelson and then we went over to Drue & Amber's new house and enjoyed the evening with them.

God has been growing me as satan has been testing me--what have i learned most through the past couple of weeks/months/days . . . that God is 'my exceedingly great reward' (Gen 15). He is! Like the Mark Schultz song says, He is, He was, He always will be . . . You are God - You are my EXCEEDINGLY GREAT REWARD! I PRAISE YOUR NAME AND HONOR YOU. It has been a time of much growth; thus, inherent in growth is some strecthing and some growing pains . . . i have learned that God alone can rub them and make them dissipate. God alone. God. Alone. God.

Last night's Christmas Eve service was very nice. Ellen & Erin each played a duet with their Uncle Vonn on the piano - he is so very good and we are so fortunate for his willingness to do so! The girls were so proud and so excited to do that with him; after all, he is Isaac & Isabelle's daddy (and that is what really excites them!).

Ryan gave me a Nikon camera and I am so pumped to start reading about it and using it - yea!!!! I guess if you keep on asking; he will give in. Next, i'm working on an indoor dog - ha! I really am serious and just need to do some research and give some time to set & prepare the stage. We'll see . . .

Tomorrow i am looking foward to a long run on the treadmill and preparing for Russ & Lisa and girls for the evening.

Thank you Lord Jesus for Your gift; thank You for Your love; thank You for Christmas, for Emmanuel, for the Word made flesh so that ALL may be saved. You and You alone - yes, You and You alone are to be praised!

Wisdom is my Sister

Yes - of course it's been a while again! We have had Thanksgiving; Emily's 5th birthday; Ryan's 39th and life just happening. Ryan is in Istanbul, Turkey right now and we both have Skype on our computers, so this trip we are able to call & video call each other which is marvelous!
Yesterday, Sunday, soon after lunch he skyped us and the girls were watching and talking and Emily shouts out 'are you naked dadddy?'. Oh - you did have to be there, but it was so stinkin' funny! Speaking of Miss Em! She did turn 5 years old and we had a friend birthday party for her that was soooo fun:) We had 7 of her friends over and did some crafts; played some games; and ate some cookies! It was a good time. And I'm so happy for her. For Ryan's birthday, we gave him some cool presents and he really wasn't expecting any - so that was an even bigger surprise!

I'm coaching Ellen's basketball team with Duane Helms & Dr Marla. They had their first game on Saturday and Ellen did really well. They all did better (and worse) than expected, but it was alot of fun! I hope my girls enjoy playing and then work hard so they can really enjoy it because, truly, i love it! I wish i could go back and play and practice and experience it all again.

Saturday (Ryan had flown out already) we went to The Old Mill Theatre in Buhler for their Christmas show (Kirk & Blaine's Party) and it was so much fun! "Away in the Manger" was sung accapella by Jamie Kamikow and it was AWESOME! . . . 'stay near me dear Jesus . . .'

Through the month of December I'm reading through the book of Proverbs. I just love Proverbs 7:4 which says "say to wisdom you are my sister and call understanding your nearest kin". I miss the love of a sister sooooooo much! I need God so very much. I know--my head knows--that i don't need approval or affirmation from this world. It is just so very sad to me, however, that we withhold that from each other. I know it says in the bible to encourage one another; that two are better than one for if one falls the other is there to help him up. I kid you not - besides Ryan & Doug I have 'no one' that would help me up. So then i wonder - wisdom be my sister - am i or have i done something wrong?

The world looks not at the hearts of people; the world looks at what house you live in and how pretty is it? The world looks at what clothes you wear and how pretty are you? The world looks at the kind of vehicle you drive and the type of job you have and asks how much are you worth? The world says 'get more and want bigger'. The world says 'you will never be satisfied or impressive or complete until you buy in - literally'. You know what - the world LIES. Over and over and over again - it looks you in the face and spews out bold faced lies. So, lets call it what it is - a liar.

Most importantly, lets run from lies and run to TRUTH. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life . . . he who comes to me . . . Oh, Jesus, I am coming!

Okay - now for the part that so befuddles me . . . many, many, many christians 'buy in' to the ways of the world. Folly you are so sly and so sneakily deceptive so I call you OUT! and say 'WISDOM YOU ARE MY SISTER AND UNDERSTANDING BE MY NEAREST KIN!' Open the eyes of my heart and give me wisdom & truth!

Again, this is another reminder that my hope does not come in people (never), my hope is found in Jesus Christ.

Mercy Abundant & Full Redemption

Today is Friday and it is absolutely, the most gorgeous Fall day God ever created! Most of the leaves are lush on the ground; the sun is setting in the sky; the wind is blowing slightly; my girls are alive & healthy; my husband loves me; my home shelters & warms me; my health is a gift to me; my Lord & Saviour adores me! How blessed I am.

Oh God in Heaven - how Majestic is Your name in all the Earth! O Lord, O Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the Earth . . . Oh Lord!

I was priviledged enough to spend the day with my darling daughter, Emily. We played together; we made a craft together; we made some no-bake cookies together; we read some books together; we walked to get the girls together. Dear Lord, although You know; I write this so that my girls will know how I cherish each one of them. I was literally so full of joy today, I almost just wept tears of love. Thank you for the great privilege of being their mom in spite of the abuse i gave my body when i was younger. Thank you for washing away all my inquity and remembering it no more.

I am so grateful for the love of a mother & father--a Godly love from each of them. Thank you for the example they have been and are to my personally and to my family. Thank you for the sincere love they have for my husband, Ryan. And, mostly, thank you for the love they have for You!

God, thank you for my dear brother & sister; both of whom have walked some ugly roads with me. Thank you for letting me be loved by them and for the opportunity to know and love them as well.

Psalm 130 - my soul crys out to You, Yahweh. All are guilty - no one can stand before You. My soul watches and awaits Your coming; You will give Mercy Abundant & You will give Full Redemption!

Praise You O Mighty One - Lord of Lords & King of Kings! Amen.

I survived & earned a PR

Yea!!! I'm home from leaving yesterday with Doug & Pam to meet Sara & AJ in KC for the 'big race' today. Oh! It is so good to be home. I missed my little girls very much, but it was also very nice to just not worry about anybody but me. Regarding the race: the weather was cold and I'm so glad i bought a jacket there to wear while we ran. I wore capris, my new warm long-sleeved shirt, my gloves and my new jacket. Actually, I took the jacket off and tied it around my waist for about 9 miles of the race, but i was glad i had it. I thought i was going to die around mile 10 - there were some really major hills. I also thought 'i have to go to the bathroom very, very badly and I would feel much better if i could go to the bathroom'. There were no bathrooms from mile 10 - the end. I also remember thinking 'why in the world am i doing this?' 'this is awful!'. I prayed and asked God to carry me & help me through this, because I was pooped!
As I crossed the finish line, I was jacked! I made 2 hours (my personal goal) and so I was pumped! Overall, it was a great time. I enjoy Doug & Pam and there family and we just had a great time:)

Regarding at home: this was the menu. McDonalds for Emily Friday night (the girls were at a cheerleading clinic). Donuts Saturday morning; McDonalds AGAIN for all the girls Saturday for lunch. House was clean when I left - not too bad when I returned. All the beds were made - have not learned if that was this morning or quick before i got home. I made supper tonight - turkey tacos (yum!). Enjoyed a bud light w/ lime. Totally kissed on my girlies! I love being home! Thank you God for Your blessing this weekend on my life. May I honor You with it and may "I sow seeds and not grow weary so that I may reap a harvest" Gal. 6:9

Poor Jerry.

Before I forget to record this; I wanted to write and try and describe how precious it is, the voice of my little girls. Emily, in particular, right now warms my heart as I'm relaying a recent drive of ours. We did get a new vehicle about a year 1/2 ago - one with a DVD player which we were definetely NOT going to use unless a long trip. Well, anything over a block can constitue as a long trip depending on mom's needs (i.e some quiet time, some dicussion time, some mom music time). Anyway, a favaorite of the girls' shows to watch is Tom & Jerry (of which we now have 2 dvd's). And, it never fails, during certain episodes, as I look back at all 3 munchkins lined up in a row with their ear phones on, I hear this "poor jerry" with the sweetest little voice God ever created I think. A few minutes pass, and again I hear this "poor jerry" from my little Emily. Emily has yet to figure out that Jerry, the cat, will always lose. And, so, he succeeds in getting her sympathy for the moment. Sometimes I secretly play that dvd so I can hear her say . . . "poor jerry". Oh, Emily - lucky mommy! I love you:)

Weekly Wonders

Okay - it has officially been 1 week of 24 hour days since little Miss Erin crashed her bike, sending us to the ER with blood and bleeding and broken teeth and bruises and much, much pain. God - you have created us so marvelously. Our bodies are awesome! We went to have Erin's 4 stitches removed today. Her face is still swollen a bit and the side & underneath is turning bluish green, but it is amazing of how she has healed! Her lip scabs are almost gone; and her gums look so much better; I just sit in awe of how God created & formed us.

My heart hurts for Cindy Otte & her family--Bryan, Emily, Mel, Erma and others. The body is an amazing creation, yet sometimes God allows the body to succomb to awful diseases . . . hers was cancer. What a brave, brave woman she was. What a hero she is. Thank you Lord Jesus for her courage; for her love; for her Faith in You when all seemed for naught. Thank you for her life and the gift that it is. May people be aware of her gift and use if for Your glory!

Ryan's in Tampa, FL now for Metalcon. He was given notice that his pay would resume with the next paycheck - thank you, Lord, also for this. Dear God, I pray he continues to humble himself before you and know in his heart that he is a FROG (fully relying on God). Wow - we all need to think that because, even if you like frogs, they are just not the prettiest things YOu did create - ha!

Ellen & Emily are Ellen & Emily. Sassafrass (which I am respectfully trying to work on) and Big Mouth Chicken Little (too big for her britches, but she doesn't know it!). Dear God - thank you for my sweet ones - I love all 3 so very, very much!

Bikes & Bruises

Ugh - it has again been so long . . . but, hey, at least I'm here now! Gosh - we've been on vacation; school has started for Ellen (3rd grade) and Erin (1st grade); Emily has started ballet at Angel Feet Dance here in town. Ellen & Erin are both playing soccer--I'm Erin's coach, sweet thing. I'm teaching Sunday School for the year now as well - first, Erin's class, then Natalie's; then Ellens!

Emily is not going to preschool yet; maybe in January. I tell you what - my life is crazy! I definitely feel like the mom & the dad in our lives right now. No, I don't mow the lawn (I could), but I really feel like I do everything else. Oh, yes, the older 2 girls started piano lessons and they are learning so well! I am so excited for them.

BCO has its 50th celebration this weekend. Of course, Ryan's been busy with work, but then again, he's always busy with work. I'm ready for him to have a change so we can have a life again.

I'm doing another Beth Moore bible study - the Psalms of Ascents and it is so good! I love God's word and need to be in it so badly!

I was at a Library Board meeting on Monday and, of course, Ryan wasn't home yet; so the girls rode bike and I walked up there. My meeting started at 7:00 and Ryan came to get the girls. Ellen & Erin wanted to ride home, so on the way back there is a pretty steep hill that they were traveling down at a pretty decent speed (note, I was not there and ryan was in his pu). Well, Erin's handlebars were going back & forth and she hit the bridge posts with her bike and flew onto the concrete bridge. She got up and was bleeding from her mouth down and blood was coming out of her left ear.

Ellen came to get me from the library and we went to the ER at the hospital. Dr. Ratzlaff finally came (of course it seemed like forever) and assessed her. All the while she was moaning, crying out in pain--bleeding, just terribly uncomfortable and hurting so badly. Ellen & Emily were in the hallway just watching/witnessing everything. Ellen was awesome! She took care of Emily; prayed with her; just was an awesome big sister! Praise God for her.

Erin was such a trooper! Granted she was so miserable, but she didn't freak out and maintained relatively calm there. Dr Ratzlaff put 4 stitches in her chin - she had a deep cut there (it looked like someone took a serrated knife and cut on her chin). then we went to the dentist (Dr. Dillnar and he took x-rays). Her ear bled all that night and that night was miserable! Erin complained of her tummy hurting the worst. We just didn't know what to do for her . . . I'll tell you, though, God is good and He so protected her! I fully believe that will my whole being. She did not land on gravel (where they would have had to pick that out of her cuts). Her eyes were not harmed; she did not fall over the bridge or hit the bridge railing with her head or neck (her flipflop was in the water). She was missing her 2 front teeth, except for 1 that was just coming in; consequently, the roots were still open and it doesn't look like she will lose them. Oh, PRAISE YOU GOD FOR YOUR PROTECTION OVER YOUR SAINTS!!! YOU ARE GOOD! THANK YOU SO MUCH LORD JESUS!!!

Thank you mostly for the promise of Your word; Your love; Your steadfastness in the midst of our harlotry. Praise You God, Praise You for Your mercy and lovingkindess to us . . . Praise You! (Psalm 124)

Note: I prayed the last portion of Psalm 91 over my sweet broken, hurting baby . . . Because Erin has set her love upon me, I will deliver her. I will set her on high because she as known My name. She shall call upon Me, and I will answer her. I will be with her in trouble; I will honor her and deliver her; with long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation. Love, the Lord God Almighty!

Headaches

Yes ~ again, it's been forever--seems i skipped the whole month of July--so much to tell. Summer has been wonderful albeit a few mishaps. We had the joy of having our nephews from TN down for 10 days and we had a ball with them! We also went up to TN to SURPRISE Reid for his 40th Birthday - it was such a great time. Oh Lord, I was so challenged in my thought closet and I held up the shield of faith and I prayed what I knew--that your love for me is greater than the worlds--and I was so confirmed - oh thank you Jesus, thank you, thank you! A short synopsis would be this: I was so discouraged by an opportunity given to someone else, when the Lord knew that was on my heart to happen for us, and I just questioned. So . . . I went to God in prayer and held up that shield and prayed for my unbelief and confirmed my trust. Then, I went to pick Ryan up from the Memphis airport (he had been in St Petersburg, Russia) and he shared (like the 1st thing he shared) was about a brief encounter with this man in the Moscow airport and his recogniztion of Ryan's wristband which shows this: a cross > i. Ryan explained how it meant God is greater than he is. "So," the guy replied, "you a Christ guy?" Ryan said he was and the man in his overtly loud voice, while slapping Ryan on the shoulder, said "me too! I just tell my wife, she's a Jesus freak."

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT??? God spoke directly to me through a man Ryan met in a Moscow airport - God - YOU ARE AWESOME!

Secondly, I had a screaming headache this morning. Actually, I had it last night and instead of waking up, I was just so tired that I would rub my eyes and then fall asleep. So, this morning when I got up to run, my head just throbbed. So, while we were running I would get these sharp pains about every other step right above my eyes. I just prayed. I prayed for God to take the pain away and I also prayed if I was to have the pain, please let me bear it. Doug also prayed for me and HONEST TO THE CREATOR OF LIFE ITSELF by the time we were done running, my headache had totally disappeared. GOD - forgive me when I am so human and so petty and so caught up in temporary. God - help me to show others how to live in Jesus. YOU ARE SO VERY AWESOME!!!

Oh - so much more. I love my husband, I love my girls, I love our families. God, thank you for your blessings. No, thank you for your extravagance! IT IS AWESOME!

The Shack

Hello there!
I need to get ready for work here very shortly; however, Dear Jesus, I just wanted to verbalize with words my love for You and my thanks for the work You have done ~ You are amazing!!!
Ryan & I finished reading The Shack, by Willam P Young. Wow! What an amazing book. I love so many things the author brings out/portrays. Some are hard for my mind to wrap around them, but boy do I love how the words put such thoughts & expressions together. I love to think that you, Jesus, are "especially fond of me!" I love the conversation You had with Mack about forgiveness and what forgiveness is and what it is not. I love Your redemption given to Mack and to all people who ask. I love that You did Your part once for all to be reconciled to us; now it is our choosing. I love that You love me!

Lord, I pray right now for Carmen Friesen Cutting and her family with the passing of her mom, Ellen. I pray for my Aunt Vickie to whom Ellen was a dear, dear friend. Lord please help them in their sorrow and their hurt and help them to see beyond this pain. Lord, I also pray for Your guidance regarding service. Help me to follow where You lead.

And, Lord, I pray to adore people like You do! "Because . . . if anything matters, than everything matters!" (the Shack)

Amen.

Is Green so Good?

You know, I think so often we act the way we do and others act the way they do is because of the green-headed monster called Jealousy! Man - why is it so hard for some to compliment, encourage, empower others? I love making people feel good; but, alas, I must be the first to admit that I struggle to compliment, encourage, engage those who are ugly to me; who have hurt me; those to whom the only relationship between us is based on more negative than positive. I am so often--daily--reminded of Eph. 4:1 - 5 which says to "walk worthy of the calling to which we were called. Be completely humble & gentle; patient, endeavoring with one another to work for unity in the bond of peace. There is one spirit; one baptism; one body; one Father of all who is in all and through all." Okay - that was from memory and I know I missed some. But, what I remembered is pretty darn convicting. Today Lord, help me to walk worthy of the calling to which I was called. Help me to display Your splendor. Help me to guide my girls to see & long for the calling You are purposing for their lives. Help me Lord to better because of who You are in me. Much love,m.

Pick Up Day

Saturday morning! Light Rain, a good cup of coffee right next to me, leaving in 10 minutes to get Ellen - I can't wait!
God - You are so good. Thank you for completely gracing me when I am so awful. Thank you for loving my heart even when it feels so unlovable.
Dear God - please tell my baby sister hello and that I miss her just terribly and that I wish so much she were here with me.
Extended family get together last night at Harvey County Park (Norm & Nadine's kids were all home & around). I met some really neat people and learned more about others. There family seems to just love each other - its really neat. They just seem to enjoy being around one another--not to brag about themselves or their lives, but to just build relationship. That is what it seems (totally could not be that way). I pray for my girls a love like that - one that enjoys each other because they are God's creatures and nothing more. Ellen - I can't wait to see you!

Wow - Ellen is going to camp for the 1st time in her life and for the 1st time in her life she will be in someone else's care other than family. Lord Jesus, I pray your protection over her. Guide Your angels to make straight her path and keep her safe. Lord, I pray also that her eyes may be opened and her heart enlightened and her spirit be more aligned with Yours. Thank you for the willing volunteers who will care for her these next few days.

99 Balloons, A Tribute to Eliot. What a touching memorial to a little boy with Trisome 18. Thank you God for revealing yourself through him and for parents that loved him and love You! What a blessing.

b/t/w - it was my birthday on Tuesday - 38 years young! I miss my sister soooooo much! I miss having a girlfriend that just loves me for me. Thank you God for allowing her in my life - because, truly, it is better. Thank you for allowing my girls to be plural. I pray they learn to cherish each other so completely and in doing so, they honor each other and You! Thank you Lord Jesus for being my Savior - not because You had too, but because You chose too. You are Amazing. Thanks.

Again . . .

Again, more than a month has passed since I've written - ugh!!!
Gosh, school is out in 5 days - my babies are growing so fast (tear). Steve & Steph are moving into their Brand New house this weekend (it's gorgeous). I'm trying to be jealous FOR them and not OF them. I am really having to practice 2 Cor. 10:5 - I give it to You, Lord. You are so faithful. You have so blessed me. Forgive me. Thank you Jesus, thank you.
Life has been rather harried with the 'state of the economy'. Bradbury Co. has had to let 40 people go . . . not easy things. Ryan & I have been down on our knees . . . again, God--You are faithful. God, we walk not by sight, by faith. Increase our faith.
Ellen, Erin & Emily are just awesome - I love them sooooo much. I have been having such fun with my mom as well - she is one beautiful person and I am so lucky to have her in my life. She is one person (besides Ryan) who truly encourages me and tells me I do a good job. I have never understood why people withhold blessing like that? I don't know, maybe I over do it. But, I have learned (albeit painfully) that some people like that power so I choose not to allow it over/on me. I have stopped trying to 'please' people and gain approval. My esteem is not based on others' affirmation, rather on my God's view and approval of me. AGain, thank you Sweet Jesus!

Almost midnight, the clock's about to strike and off come the glass slippers.
love,
m.
p.s. i did the OKC 1/2 marathon again this year. ry is so supportive. God, thank you for allowing me the ability and opportunity to run. Let it be for your glory!

i ama pc

well - i was just typing in here on my new laptop computer - first ever lap top owner - whoo whoo! thanks to ryan for getting my a BIG screen and a full keyboard - i love it!

today is Tuesday, April 7th and Ryan's school board election is Today - so tomorrow i might be married to a school board member - double whoo whoo!

A full week away from Tax Day - yea! Pray we get a lot done in the next couple of days!

Girls made their own Easter Baskets - out of empty milk containers - pretty cute.

see ya
mad

going to hopefully run 10 miles tonight - major prayers needed to get my mind right!

Good Reads!

Monday, March 02, 2009
Wow – crazy past couple of weeks! WE are in the full-blown tax-season and life is busy. This past weekend we took our Christmas Kaufman Trip to GWL (Great Wolf Lodge) and had an absolute awesome time! The girls just love it and it was great fun to be together as a family.

Ryan’s been home lately after having traveled for 2 weeks out of 3 so we are very thankful.

The dow jones industrial average hit an all-time low in the past 12 years I believe!!! Economy is suffering. Bradbury announced 32 hr work weeks for plant people and Ryan is really feeling the pressure to bring in sales. I believe he said it best to his guys when he said ‘ this is time for the 4th quarter gut-check. We don’t sell, people don’t work.’ Dear God, You know. You are in control. Please help.

The girls are awesome. I love them so much. Lord, I pray for their safety, for their spouses, for their school/ball experiences—that Your hand may be in all aspects of their lives and that You work to Your will which will always exceed our imaginations & expectations. We praise You O Lord!

I read 2 great books: Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy. About a girl (child of 4 at the time) who survived the Nazi invasion of Poland and her, along with her family, was forced into the Lodz ghetto where she hid for the next 5 ½ years of her life. It tells of the nazi’s coming & taking children from the arms of their mothers to ‘put them on the train’ (to the death camps). Dear Lord, forgive me for all the times I was too tired to carry my babies or to self absorbed to give them my attention. I humble my self before You and ask forgiveness and 2nd chances.

Ryan & I also read Beyond Belief, the true story of Josh Hamilton—an all American kid who signed with the Devil Rays straight out of highschool for 3.97 million dollars. He found himself with a alcohol/drug addiction. He almost killed himself many times over and FINALLY surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus. He came back to Major League Baseball and was 2nd in the 2008 Home Run Derby. A miracle story where God is given the glory and Josh’s testimony leaves no question as to who His Lord & Saviour is. Awesome read!!!

Okay – time for bed. Thank you Lord that in the midst of life, You are here. You are always here. Thank you for the word of Life in Your bible and the Light of Life in Your Son. I am so blessed.

Dear God, please help my mom. I love her so and I know You do too!

Get It!

I have been meaning to post these thoughts a few days ago! When putting Miss Emily to bed the other night, I was laying down with her and then Ryan came and lay on the other side--so here, all 3 of us are laying on this twin size bed - ugh! Can you say uncomfortable. Well, Emily was totally comfortable as she was relaying any thought that came into her head and would look at either Ryan or I and say 'git it? kay - git it?' with her forehead scrunched and her chin tilted down a bit and her hand cocked at the wrist. Oh my - I had to almost pinch myself from laughing out loud! What a doll baby.
Speaking of doll babies, Vonn & Casey had a little doll baby of their own tonight--Isabelle Taylor Durst. So, now Isaac has an Isabelle! How sweet is that?! I love it!!! We will go see them tomorrow night.

Also, speaking of 'getting it' do men? Uh, I don't think so. Well, I take that back--some men definitly do. Some definitely do not! Mine, does not. Do they have any idea what goes into meals, clean clothes, room to walk in the house, a made bed, a clean bed, a Sunday School lesson, a night out, a babysitter, homework, kindermusik, signing & returning papers to school, getting girls to school on time, grocery shopping, any & all home improvement projects, dr. & dentist appointments AND I could go on - believe me! However, enough irritation before bed. Okay, I am so thankful I am running with my friend tomorrow (at least he cares about being healthy & working hard to accomplish something bigger than yourself). Thank you God for allowing me that opportunity!

Lord, help me to 'get it'! Because right now I'm sick of always getting it! Ugh!!!

TO RUN

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Okay – drinking a quick cup of ‘joe’ before I head this stinky body into the shower for the day! Went for a run this morning and it felt soooo good! Thank you God for allowing me the ability to run; the time to run; the desire to run; the freedom to run; the friend to run with; the accountability; the growth; the stretching; the revealing I have experienced because of you allowing me ‘to run’. Blessings to the Lord God almighty, who is and was and always will be . . . amen.

b/t/w – President Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America yesterday. What a moment in the history of our great country to have a man of black & white heritage to lead our great nation—great under God. Lord, please bless us; please impart Your wisdom to this man as he leads our country. Give him Your direction; place in his compass Your way and help him to not depart from it! Amen.

Captive Thoughts . . . Water > Blood

2nd Corinthians 10:5 – God, I lift up my thoughts to you, help me to bring them into capitivity & obedience to Christ my Lord.

God, I’m so trying not to be jealous right now—I am so very thankful for Your blessings to me. God, forgive me for my carnal nature and again, help me to put into practice 2nd Cor. 10:5 – ALL thoughts are captive and obedient unto Christ.

Wow – what a whirlwind of the past couple of days. Thursday evening, we celebrated Ellen’s birthday here (8th) with all our family. What a loud evening, but what a special time for her (and us) to have those we love dear, close to us. Ellen, you are a so special to me! My firstborn, my love! I thank God for the time He has allowed me to have with you in my life and pray that He allows much, much more time together.

Saturday, the 17th, Ellen’s birth date, I worked in the morning and Ryan flew to Dubai City in Dubai in the UAof E. Wow! God – it is amazing what you have let this wonderful man, who grew up with 4 brothers in a 1000 sq foot house with sheets hanging from the ceiling to separate ‘room’s, experience of Your world. God, I know you are preparing Ryan for awesome things. You have given him a leadership ability; a talent for getting things done; an understanding of the bigger things in life – help him to use these to bring You glory in his environment—at home, at work, at play. Make him a man of integrity, a man of God . . . so that he makes You proud!

Okay, Sat. evening we went to the soup kitchen in Hutchinson and served – what a great experience. Sunday, took Ellen & Girls & 3 of her friends to the movie, Hotel for Dogs – very fun!

Monday – I’m pooped. Remind me to tell you about Sunday Morning – awesome Sermon. This is the jist: Water IS thicker than Blood in the family of God. Hello!?!?!? Can I hear a LOUD AMEN! Then, today, as I was reading D. Jeremiah’s devotion for January 20th this is the title: God’s Family and it so affirmed Pastor Dave’s message – just awesome. He states: “Our Lord emphasized the human family, but even more He emphasized the Spiritual Family of God.” Thank You Sweet Jesus, for adopting me and all persons upon request, regardless of their blood lines.

Oh – quick note, Emily was upset with me and went into her room and shut the door. I went in to check on her and she was crosslegged on her bed, phone in one hand and dialing with the other (their little pink phone). I said Emily, who are you calling. And she said, well, daddy, I need to talk to him. So, she was going to tell on me to daddy. How precious is that little stinkpot! Oh, God, I love them so much

Annual Report

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Okay – I think I have together what I need for Ellen & Erin at school tomorrow. Erin needed a letter written for a time capsule which I did during the annual church meeting because I was almost suffocating in there. Things like that make one wonder, what would Jesus think of all the ‘numbers’ of the ‘committees’ of the ‘programs’? Would he encourage us to continue; would he affirm us in our work & progress; would he, too, vote for a change in the Christian Education set-up? I wonder if, maybe, he would take the Annual Report and ever so gently set it down on the table, walk to the podium and encourage us to just Love One Another--all the rest is just details. Oh – that we would be stirred to action.

Ryan did come home from Brazil yesterday – Praises be to God for His faithfulness in protecting Ryan as he travels here & there. God, I so do not want to take his safety for granted. I pray each time he leaves that you will keep us safe and bring him home safely. This is my prayer each time he leaves—my fervent, righteous prayer. Lord, help us to be your instruments. Help us to make beautiful music that transcends language barriers and speaks love to all who hear. Help me to be more patient with Miss Emily since I just told her to leave my premises into another room because every thing she is doing is LOUD---ugh! Forgive me. M,

Good Idea - God Idea

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Well, I just sent the girls to bed Immediately because they were bicker, bicker, bickering! And that is just what is sounded like Oh, God, what an awesome God You are and how You care about each one that You even know the number of hairs on our head—Awesome!
During my morning run with Doug, I was sharing how You worked in our life recently (yes, I know You are always working, this is one time I really got it). Doug had shared with me that one thing they did as a family was every so often (every week or so) they would light a fire in the fireplace, roast wienies and have true Family Time. No interruptions, no phone calls, no TV. Time together sharing, edifying, empowering, listening, helping, advising and Doug encouraged us to try to cultivate time for something like that in our lives. Well, that same exact day, when I was picking Ellen & Erin up from school, Erin was no sooner in the truck, getting into her seat as she is exclaiming “mom, mom, I had a good idea for tonight.” And I asked her what it was and she proceeded to explain that ‘dad light a fire and we drink hot cocoa and eat marshmallows by the fire’ and’ yea, we just sit by the fire and drink hot cocoa’ as she is most serious and absolutely certain that is the exact, very thing we should do tonight. God prepared my heart, my mind for the possibility and He had Erin bring it home! You are an Awesome God.

Additionally, I somehow thought that—like the wedding ring Ryan wishes I would wear at all times—it would be a good idea to wear the diamond earrings he gave me for Christmas at all times. NO PROBLEM. I’m not a big jewelry person and so leaving my earrings in was a great idea. One thing I never considered: what if I lose one like, oh~I don’t know, sleeping, running, washing my hair in the shower and earring goes down the drain lost forever, blo-drying my hair and it falls out, putting on & taking off turtleneck tops as it is winter~small problem: I LOST MY EARRING! Ugh!!! I noticed it at work on Wednesday that I only had 1 earring in my ear and it didn’t look quite right. Okay – I have searched and found treasures I didn’t know were lost. I also discovered, in my sleuthing process (where I made the girls & I get down on all fours for ½ hr searching) that our sofa cushion zipper is broke – great.

Okay, now I want to be true to my faith. God, You are way bigger than a tiny, little rock. You are my Rock & my Redeemer. Regardless if You let me find this earring (which I would like to find before Ryan comes home on Saturday) I know, God, that You are able to provide it. I KNOW You can. I pray, God, that You will allow me to find it. Mostly, I pray Your best for me. Thank You Lord for all the things You have bestowed upon me: my wonderful husband, my dear girlies, my family/s, my health, my freedoms, my mind, my body, my home . . . I’m sorry, Lord. Thank You for all the things You have bestowed upon me . . . Your blessings, Yours—not mine.
Good night!

Mind Wide Open

This is my one & only New Year's Resolution:
'to keep my mind wide open'

I tend to have a rather questioning/doubting viewpoint of things at first sight/mention/hearing. I want to change this. I want to keep my mind wide open and discern my own opinion on a matter based on truth, not prejudice. I want to promote an attitude of grace overflowing on my family, on my neighbor. I want to keep my mind wide open, but my feet firmly rooted in God's love, in God's truth--I always want to remain in the vine! Some branches curl, some grow straight, some bunches are facing up and some down. Diversity is a beautiful thing because within diversity we have such commonality (read the book The Boy in the Striped Pajamas). Let us keep our minds wide open to what is common while we learn about what makes us different. This is my New Year's Resolution for 2009. I hope I give it a fair shot:)



Friday, January 02, 2009

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Mohamed Ghandi

What a great statement! If we would all choose to be a change for better in all the world at all times in all we do!

The girls went to Cradle to Crayons Holiday Palooza for the day (kind of expensive $90.00 total), but they had such a ball! They went in their PJ’s, made a pillowcase each, made a Snowman Snack to take home, played outside and just had a great time!
I went to Mac and worked on the shop Quickbooks – I feel pretty good where I’m at with things – please God, let that feeling be one of truth! Ryan is feeling better - but we all had the stomach flu now – ugh! I’m the only one that did not PUKE – yea! Ryan & I went to Newton to pick up the Lane recliner we purchased for our Christmas. The fabric we selected is great – I really love it! I hope it is very comfortable so Ryan really loves it too. Okay – all is well. We went to Grandma Nikkel’s yesterday (New Years Day) for New Years Cookies & soup. Ryan did not go, so Shari went with me instead. My grandma is so precious. She is so welcoming and loving and giving no matter who you are! How I long to treat others as she treats me. I am so very thankful for the example she has been and continues to be – to God be the Glory!

Oh, went for a run with Emily yesterday (in her stroller) and the sweet baby fell asleep. Went this morning with Doug & AJ – so fun! I wish AJ were around to run with more often – just a great visit. Wonderful Christian friends that stretch my thoughts. By the way – that is my 2009 Motto: to keep my Mind Wide Open! God, may I keep it wide open to see Your creation, Your beauty, Your loved ones (i.e. may I not bring condemnation or judgment on any, but Grace them and show/tell them a better way).

Monday, January 05, 2009

Okay. It is official. I have earned the title, and rightly so, with “Worst mom of the Year” award. My darling, sweet Erin is very emotional right now and it is largely due to me! Listen to what I didn’t do: I forgot (because school has been out for almost 2 weeks) to send something for Erin to ‘share’ with her class. Of course, all the other moms remembered. And, as a result, Erin did not earn a star and was not allowed to go Mrs. Brown’s office who happens to be the Elementary School Principal and, to a Kindergartener, this is a Very, Very B-I-G Deal! What a rotten mother I am! Oh, Erin, I need you to know that I have asked God that He please spare you from my ignorance. I asked Him that he use my mistakes and messes to grow you up even better than otherwise would have been. I love you, sweetie

Erin had a great idea and for tonight we (Daddy) lit a fire. We(all of us) had popcorn & hot chocolate and we read some stories together and we played games. Of course (as the way the day as been shaped) Ellen/Daddy won the very long game of SORRY. Erin’s eyes were brimming with tears and it was kind of a downer for her. Emily yelled SORRY every time she drew a card (not just on the SORRY cards) and had ants in her pants so I was getting frustrated. And Ellen pouted for 20 minutes prior to any of this starting because of something I can’t even remember now – oh, have our hormones started raging or what???

Ry leaves for Brazil tomorrow for the rest of the week – ugh! It too will pass and we will endure. Lord Jesus be with Ryan as he travels. Send Your angels to make straight his paths. Keep him pure in all areas of his life. And help to be a witness for You and light in this world. Thus, ‘let the words of his mouth and the thoughts of his heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, his Rock and his Redeemer’!

Much love! Much grace! Much blessings You have given me! From a humble heart and a woeful sinner . . . thank you.